Moving Guide
Everything you need to know to make your move easy and free of surprises.
Eighteen years of experience packed into a practical guide. Follow the steps below and your move will go smoothly, with no surprises.
Moving in Athens? Read our dedicated Athens moving guide — permits, parking, furniture lifts and traffic windows. Also: student moves · office relocations.
Phase 1: Planning — 4 weeks before
Good preparation starts a month ahead. That way you avoid stress and get the best availability from moving companies.
- Make a list of every item in each room. This list will guide the whole move.
- Ask 2–3 moving companies for quotes. Compare not just the prices but exactly what's included.
- Start decluttering: what to keep, what to give to friends or charities, what to recycle. The fewer items you move, the cheaper the move.
- Mark utility and address-change deadlines on your calendar.
Phase 2: Agreement and obligations — 2 weeks before
- Choose your company and lock in the date and time in writing.
- Contact your electricity, water, gas and internet providers to disconnect or transfer service to the new address.
- Notify your banks, insurance companies, tax office, employer and post office.
- If you have children in school or tutoring, start the transfer process.
- Order packing materials or ask the moving company for them (AB Metaforiki includes them in the package).
Phase 3: Packing — 1 week before
- Start with rooms you don't use daily: the storage room, seasonal wardrobe, bookcase.
- Label every box with its contents and destination room. Color-coded labels per room speed up unloading.
- If needed, confirm the sidewalk-use permit from the municipality.
- Take photos of electrical connections (TV, router, coffee machine) before you disconnect them — they'll help you reconnect later.
- Note any existing damage on fragile furniture so there's no confusion later.
Phase 4: Moving day
- Pack an essentials box to keep with you: medication, chargers, toilet paper, soap, a few clothes, utensils for one meal, toys for the kids, food for pets.
- Before the truck leaves, do a final walkthrough of the old place — closets, attic, balconies.
- At the new place, go through the loading list with the crew supervisor to check what's being delivered.
- Inspect fragile items before the crew leaves.
Phase 5: First days in the new place
- Start unpacking the kitchen and bedroom so you can cook and sleep comfortably.
- Reconnect electrical appliances using the photos you took.
- Note water and electricity meter readings so you can tell the providers.
- Introduce yourself to the neighbors — small tips (trash collection times, the best supermarket nearby) save you in the first weeks.
Tips that save you money
- Avoid moving at the end of the month: it's the most expensive and the hardest day to book.
- Avoid rush hours when loading: 07:00–09:30 and 17:00–20:00 on main roads.
- Fewer items = a cheaper move. Decluttering really pays off.
- If you're flexible on the date, ask about "off-peak days" — midweek often has a better price.
Mistakes to avoid
- Leaving the packing for the last minute — it leads to broken glassware and stressful mornings.
- Not writing down what's inside each box — you'll end up opening 30 boxes looking for your phone charger.
- Accepting a verbal quote. Get everything in writing.
- Not taking photos of electrical connections. Your TV setup will turn into a puzzle.
- Not asking the moving company for proof of insurance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an apartment move take?
An 80 m² apartment usually takes 4–6 hours (packing, loading, transport, unloading). Larger homes or buildings without an elevator may need a full day.
How is the cost calculated?
It depends on: the cargo volume (m³), the distance between the old and new place, the floor and whether there's an elevator, whether disassembly is needed, the amount and type of packing materials, and the day and time. The written quote breaks down every category.
What happens if something gets damaged during transport?
The cargo is insured. In the rare case of damage, we record it on the spot and follow the claims process set out in the insurance policy.
Do you work on Saturdays and Sundays?
Yes. We work every day 08:00–20:00, Monday through Sunday.
Do you handle furniture disassembly?
Yes. Our crews take apart beds, wardrobes, bookcases and desks at the old place and put them back together at the new one.
How far in advance should I book the move?
Two to three weeks ahead is ideal. End-of-month dates (high demand) need more lead time. Same-day moves are possible when we have availability.
Do you move outside Attica?
Yes. We handle long-distance moves across mainland Greece and to the islands by ferry.